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Ensemble

 

The Kreuzberger String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1987 in Berlin, Germany, by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The founding members of the Kreuzberger String Quartet were violinists Naoko Shimizu and Susanne Rabenschlag, violist Harald Schoneweg, and cellist Matthias Diener. All four musicians had extensive experience performing in various orchestras and ensembles before coming together to form the quartet. The quartet's name is derived from the Kreuzberg district in Berlin, where the musicians first met and began rehearsing together. The district is known for its vibrant arts scene and has been a hub for musicians, artists, and writers for many years. The Kreuzberger String Quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances. They were invited to perform at various music festivals and concert halls across Europe, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of the highlights of the quartet's early career was their performance at the Wigmore Hall in London in 1990. The concert was highly acclaimed by critics and established the quartet as one of the leading chamber music ensembles in Europe. Over the years, the Kreuzberger String Quartet has undergone some changes in its lineup. In 1995, violist Harald Schoneweg left the quartet and was replaced by violist Jörg-Wolfgang Jahn. In 2008, cellist Matthias Diener also left the quartet and was replaced by cellist Andreas Greger. Despite these changes, the quartet has continued to thrive and has maintained its reputation for excellence. They have recorded numerous albums and have collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including pianist Mitsuko Uchida and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their rendition of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131, at the Salzburg Festival in 2011. The performance was highly praised by critics and was described as "a revelation" by The Guardian. The Kreuzberger String Quartet has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1991, they were awarded the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. They were also awarded the Echo Klassik Award in 2003 for their recording of Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, "Death and the Maiden." In addition to their performances and recordings, the Kreuzberger String Quartet is also committed to music education. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians in various countries, including Germany, Japan, and the United States. Today, the Kreuzberger String Quartet continues to inspire audiences with their exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances. They have established themselves as one of the leading chamber music ensembles in the world and continue to push the boundaries of classical music.

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